VP, Operations

American Water; Belleville (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water seeks an experienced VP, Operations to drive excellence across water and wastewater operations. The role oversees water quality, field operations, production, and maintenance with emphasis on regulatory compliance, customer service and continuous improvement.

The position offers leadership across multiple facilities, with options for location in Belleville, Champaign, Peoria, or Chicago, IL. You will build high-performing teams and align operations with strategic goals while

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in leading, motivating and empowering employees to effect positive change and improve business performance.
• At least ten years' experience successfully managing operational areas in multiple locations with represented employees.
• Experience in establishing, meeting or exceeding organizational performance targets.
• Bachelor's degree in operational discipline, management or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Develop operations strategies for water and wastewater operations within the state, driving continuous improvement and customer service excellence.
• Ensure regulatory compliance across facilities and operational integrity.
• Provide input to annual business plans and budgets, achieving targets.
• Lead and develop staff to build capabilities and a high-performing culture.
• Collaborate with state leadership and engineering to drive capital investment programs.

Education

Bachelor's degree in operational discipline, management or related discipline

Job description

Share Our Purpose. Be Yourself. Feel Valued.

People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.

We are Beautifully Different . We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role! Click here for more information on our inclusion, diversity, and equity journey.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and hasthe opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education, and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity.

In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k),Defined Contribution Plan, EmployeeStock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits,health and wellness programs and much more!

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!

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Primary Role

American Water is seeking an experienced VP, Operations to help drive operational excellence across our water and wastewater operations.

This executive leadership opportunity will oversee key functions including water quality, field operations, production, and maintenance, with a strong focus on regulatory compliance, customer service, continuous improvement, financial performance, and developing high-performing teams.

This role can be located in the Belleville, Champaign, Peoria, or Chicago, IL.

Key Accountabilities

• Develop operations strategies and direct and manage the water quality, field operations, production and maintenance for water and wastewater operations within the state. Implement best operating practices to promote continuous improvement, innovation and excellent customer service
• Ensure that operational integrity is maintained, including regulatory compliance in all facilities
• Provide strategic and operational input to annual business plans, control budgets for responsible areas, and ensure that operational and financial targets are met or exceeded
• Lead, motivate and develop staff in assigned operations areas. Build shared commitment to improving business performance, and develop both individual and team capabilities
• Drive performance by linking business units' objectives to company goals and values. Communicate a shared vision, energize and empower staff, and champion diversity
• Work with the state president and engineering staff to develop the strategy and priorities for capital investment programs, and drive the effective implementation of such programs
• Support the business development function within the state. Assist in due diligence and operational analysis, and ensure effective integration and performance of acquisitions and contract operations
• Establish relationships with and serve as operational contact for political and civic leaders and other key external stakeholders
• Support and assist the state president in maintaining and enhancing such relationships state-wide

Knowledge

• Extensive knowledge of the regulated water and wastewater utility business and its operations
• Knowledge of the applicable regulations, requirements and trends impacting the water and wastewater business, both regulated and nonregulated, as it exists throughout American Water locations and areas of new business opportunities.
• Knowledge of the assessment of operating practices and the establishment of best practices

Experience/Education

• Demonstrated experience in leading, motivating and empowering employees to effect positive change and improve business performance
• At least ten years' experience successfully managing operational areas in multiple locations with represented employees
• Experience in establishing, meeting or exceeding organizational performance targets
• Bachelor's degree in operational discipline, management or related discipline

Join American Water... We Keep Life Flowing

American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they arean individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.